C2 noun Formal

consequent

/ˈkɒnsɪkwənt/

In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.

Examples

3 of 5
1

If you don't water the plant, it dies; in this logic, the death of the plant is the consequent.

The result or outcome of the conditional statement regarding the plant's health.

2

The scholar argued that the consequent of the proposed economic policy would be a rise in inflation.

The formal logical outcome predicted to follow the implementation of the policy.

3

Think of the 'then' part of your argument as the consequent; it's what happens because of your 'if'.

The secondary part of a hypothetical situation used in casual explanation.

Word Family

Noun
consequent
Adverb
consequently
Adjective
consequent
Related
consequence
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Memory Tip

Remember that 'A' (Antecedent) comes first in the alphabet and the sentence, and 'C' (Consequent) follows it.

Quick Quiz

In the logic puzzle 'If the light is red, the car stops,' the phrase 'the car stops' is the ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: consequent

Examples

1

If you don't water the plant, it dies; in this logic, the death of the plant is the consequent.

everyday

The result or outcome of the conditional statement regarding the plant's health.

2

The scholar argued that the consequent of the proposed economic policy would be a rise in inflation.

formal

The formal logical outcome predicted to follow the implementation of the policy.

3

Think of the 'then' part of your argument as the consequent; it's what happens because of your 'if'.

informal

The secondary part of a hypothetical situation used in casual explanation.

4

In a valid syllogism, if the antecedent is true, the consequent must also be true by necessity.

academic

The specific logical term for the conclusion of a conditional premise.

5

The consequent of failing to meet the quarterly targets was a reduction in the annual bonus pool.

business

The direct business result or penalty following a specific failure to meet criteria.

Word Family

Noun
consequent
Adverb
consequently
Adjective
consequent
Related
consequence

Common Collocations

logical consequent A result that follows through sound reasoning.
inevitable consequent An outcome that cannot be avoided.
necessary consequent A result that must follow by definition or law.
immediate consequent A result that occurs directly after a cause.
natural consequent A result that follows the expected order of things.

Common Phrases

affirming the consequent

A formal fallacy of taking a true conditional statement and invalidly concluding the converse.

material consequent

A result that follows based on the actual content rather than just logic.

in consequent of

As a result of (archaic/highly formal variant of 'in consequence of').

Often Confused With

consequent vs consequence

Consequence is the general word for a result; consequent is a technical term used specifically in logic for the 'then' part of a statement.

consequent vs subsequent

Subsequent refers only to order in time, whereas consequent implies a logical or causal connection.

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Usage Notes

Use 'consequent' as a noun primarily when discussing formal logic, mathematics, or philosophy. In general writing, 'consequence' or 'result' is almost always preferred unless you are specifically contrasting it with an 'antecedent'.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'consequent' as a noun when they mean 'consequence'. For example, saying 'The consequent of the rain was a flood' is technically correct in logic but sounds unnatural in standard English.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'A' (Antecedent) comes first in the alphabet and the sentence, and 'C' (Consequent) follows it.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'consequens', the present participle of 'consequi', meaning 'to follow after'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun plural: consequents often paired with 'antecedent'

Quick Quiz

In the logic puzzle 'If the light is red, the car stops,' the phrase 'the car stops' is the ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: consequent

Related Words

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To relegate something or someone to a subordinate, secondary, or submissive position in relation to another. It involves the active process of making an interest, person, or entity serve a higher or more dominant power.

inbioery

C1

The practice or industry of utilizing biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives to manufacture products and provide services at an industrial scale. It specifically refers to the integration of biotechnology within industrial frameworks to create sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical manufacturing.

hypergraphal

C1

To structure, analyze, or represent complex data sets using the principles of hypergraphs, where single connections can link multiple entities simultaneously. This verb describes the action of mapping multi-way relationships that exceed the capacity of traditional binary graphs.

resedancy

C1

To live or have one's permanent home in a particular place, or to be inherent or present in a specific person, quality, or legal power. It is a more formal term than 'live' and is often used in legal, political, or technical contexts.

exstaship

C1

Describing a state of profound, transcendent joy and communal connection that elevates the individual beyond their ordinary experience. It is often used in philosophical or psychological contexts to characterize a sense of unified elation within a group or relationship.

microsimiltion

C1

Describing a modeling or analytical approach that focuses on the behavior of individual units or agents within a system to predict aggregate outcomes. It is used to characterize high-resolution simulations that account for granular details rather than broad generalizations.

overdocible

C1

An adjective describing someone who is excessively teachable or overly compliant to a fault. It implies a level of submissiveness that prevents a person from questioning instructions or exercising independent judgment.

circumsistency

C1

The state or quality of being circumstantial, referring to the detailed and specific conditions surrounding an event or situation. It describes the meticulous attention to the context and particularities of a moment rather than general or abstract principles.

exheredive

C1

To formally and legally disinherit an heir or exclude them from receiving a portion of a deceased person's estate. This action typically involves a specific clause in a will that explicitly removes a person's natural right to inheritance.

misciscy

C1

Misciscy refers to the state or quality of being composed of diverse, varied, or unrelated elements gathered together into a single entity. It is typically used in technical or academic contexts to describe a collection that lacks a singular unifying theme but possesses a broad range of components.

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